If you are in a location where you can't access Wi-Fi, but you do have Internet access using an Ethernet cable, you can use your Windows 7 laptop to create an ad hoc Wi-Fi network. Once it's set up, you can connect to the Internet from any Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, computer or tablet. If you are a guest in someone else's office, it's important to ask before doing this since you may be bypassing that office's security measures.

Step 1

Ensure that the laptop is connected to the Internet, either through an Ethernet cable or a second Wi-Fi adapter. Windows 7 can't share an Internet connection using the same Wi-Fi adapter it is using to access the Internet.

Step 2

Click the Start button and select "Control Panel." Type "network" in the Search field and then click "Network and Sharing Center."

Step 3

Click the "Set Up a New Connection or Network" option and then select "Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc (Computer-to-Computer) Network." Click "Next," then click "Next" again.

Step 4

Click the "Security Type" menu and select "WPA2," which is the most secure encryption method. If this is not available, select "WPA" which is a little older but is still secure. Select "WEP" only if there are no other options, since this outdated encryption method is easily hacked by anyone with the right software. Select "No Authentication" only if you do not want to password-protect your Wi-Fi connection.

Step 5

Type a strong, hard-to-guess password in the "Security Key" text field. Click the "Network Name" text field and change it if desired. Click the "Save This Network" check box if you want to use this ad hoc network again in the future. Click "Next."

Step 6

Make a note of the settings in the Confirmation Dialog box that opens. Connect to your new Windows 7 Wi-Fi network from any other computer or Wi-Fi device by selecting its Network Name and entering the password when prompted, just as with any other Wi-Fi hotspot.

References

Resources

About the Author

A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses and governments on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada and the United States.